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Having Joint Pain, Numbness On Feet, Knee Pain. MRI Showed No Lesion. Reason?
Question: I am a healthy 41 year old woman and have been active my whole life. For the past year, my legs have felt like they've been outgrowing my skin, like they're packed tight in sausage casing (Gross, but the best way I can describe it). Also, my knee caps feel like they are made of lead and I end up shuffling and tripping a lot due to the inability to pick my knees up when walking. I have to drag my leg over the bathtub wall and my car when getting out. If I walk for more than 15-20 minutes, my left knee will lock at every step and I look drunk as I stagger. My ankles feel weak and the surface of my skin is numb from my feet to my upper waist.
I have been to my primary doctor, and my Neurologist and they are stumped. I have had MS since 2002, and I have assumed that these are MS related symptoms. I got an MRI, and according to my neurologist, there are no new lesions AT ALL since 2002 and in fact some have gone away, so he doesn't think this is related.
Any ideas???
I have been to my primary doctor, and my Neurologist and they are stumped. I have had MS since 2002, and I have assumed that these are MS related symptoms. I got an MRI, and according to my neurologist, there are no new lesions AT ALL since 2002 and in fact some have gone away, so he doesn't think this is related.
Any ideas???
Hello;
With your history of MS it does sound like it's related. You can have peripheral nerve issues that would not show up on an MRI. Given your history of MS and the symptoms you are having you might want to consider starting treatment for MS. Your neurologist can advise you of the best treatment for you at this time.
On another note, MS symptoms typically improve when your body is cold or cool as opposed to warm and hot. I would be curious if you iced down the affected limb would you see improvement of your symptoms.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can help with anything else.
With your history of MS it does sound like it's related. You can have peripheral nerve issues that would not show up on an MRI. Given your history of MS and the symptoms you are having you might want to consider starting treatment for MS. Your neurologist can advise you of the best treatment for you at this time.
On another note, MS symptoms typically improve when your body is cold or cool as opposed to warm and hot. I would be curious if you iced down the affected limb would you see improvement of your symptoms.
I hope this helps. Let me know if I can help with anything else.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thank you for the information. I did indicate in my medical history that I have been treated with Avonex since 2003. I have been taking Ampyra for the last 2 months, but there hasn't been any changes. I do tend to prefer being warm all the time, so I guess I should start cooling my legs. I can't imagine this not being MS related. One of my strange fears is that if I ever get pulled over to do a drunk driving test, I will absolutely fail if I have to walk along a line. Do doctors provide some kind of note or waiver that I can keep in my car that informs the police of my condition?
Ok. You may want to see an MS specialist to see if there is anything else you can try.
In regards to the police etc.....even if you fail the walking test they would have to have other reasons to arrest you for drunk driving. If that ever happens tell them you want to blow into the breathalyzer. Also, if it came to it you could insist on the blood test to prove you were not intoxicated.
Your doctor could give you a prescription or letter stating your medical condition.
I hope this helps. Let me know if cooling your extremities helps.
Take care.
In regards to the police etc.....even if you fail the walking test they would have to have other reasons to arrest you for drunk driving. If that ever happens tell them you want to blow into the breathalyzer. Also, if it came to it you could insist on the blood test to prove you were not intoxicated.
Your doctor could give you a prescription or letter stating your medical condition.
I hope this helps. Let me know if cooling your extremities helps.
Take care.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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